Kyrgios can go all the way, says Nadal

BEIJING: Rafael Nadal said Nick Kyrgios “has everything” to succeed and that he hopes the Australian will fulfill his promise despite his latest high-profile meltdown in the China Open finals.

Kyrgios was back in the spotlight after he capitulated 6-2, 6-1 to the Spanish world No.1 in Beijing on Sunday, during which he swore, argued with the umpire and was docked a point.

It is just the latest indiscretion for Kyrgios, 22, whose potential has often been betrayed by his temperament — including at last year’s Shanghai Masters, where he was fined for “lack of best efforts” in an extraordinary defeat to Mischa Zverev.

Going into the China Open ranked 19, Kyrgios scored redemptive wins over Zverev and the German’s brother, Alexander, before his title bid unravelled in the final against Nadal.

Kyrgios appeared unable to get over an incorrect line call in the first game as he indulged in one of his infamous running debates with the umpire.

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return during his men’s singles final match against Nick Kyrgios of Australia at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on Sunday. AFP PHOTO

Nadal, the 16-time Grand Slam winner, admitted he was bemused by some of Kyrgios’s antics.